A $26.3 million county budget for the year that starts Jan. 1 was enacted without debate by the Lenawee County Commission after a public hearing Wednesday afternoon. No one commented during the hearing.A committee hearing last month drew objections from Sheriff Jack Welsh, who asked for money to hire two

additional deputies and one jail officer. The draft budget was amended then to add $60,000 to maintain staffing and $50,000 to hire part-time deputies for peak periods.

Commissioner Cletus Smith, R-Madison Twp., said he is troubled that $1 million in reserve funds were used to balance the spending plan, but supports the budget “as a necessity to move forward.”

Commission chairman John Tuckerman, R-Blissfield, said concern over spending reserves is shared by all commissioners. The county is moving toward bringing revenue and spending back in balance after difficult times in recent years, he said.

Commissioner Ralph Tillotson, R-Adrian Twp., cast the only vote against the budget. He said the county’s general fund reserves are being eroded to less than what he believes is an adequate cushion.